Animals

County To Tighten Rooster Ordinance

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Any crowing over loopholes in the rooster ordinance was silenced Tuesday when the County Board of Supervisors voted to tighten the law so exemptions couldn’t be used for illegitimate purposes.

The ordinance was approved in August, 2011 and restricted the number of roosters individuals could have on a property. The idea was to prevent illegal cockfighting or the raising of birds for cockfighting in the unincorporated area. However, an exemption was made for approved 4H or Future Farmers of America (FFA) projects so that legitimate poultry education programs would not be affected.

Tuesday’s action was to prevent individuals from getting around the ordinance by using this exemption to keep more roosters on their property than is allowed.

“I want to make sure that no one is claiming ties to 4H or FFA as a cover for illegal activity,” said Supervisor Dianne Jacob. “We need to make it absolutely clear that cockfighting has no place in this region.”   

The amendment approved Tuesday would require 4H and FFA members who want to own more roosters than the number allowed to file a written project plan with their respective organizations stating why, for how long and the number of male and female chickens involved in the project. Those projects involving 4H would be submitted to the County 4H advisor for approval.  

The ordinance currently allows one rooster on property that measures a half acre or less and up to 20 roosters on property larger than five acres.

Another change involves rooster complaints and would allow an animal control, humane or peace officer to ask for proof the project was approved. It also allows the officers to inspect private property if they have reasonable cause to believe there is a violation of the ordinance.

The Board voted 4 – 1, with Supervisor Bill Horn opposing, to approve the changes. The amended ordinance is expected to go into effect May 23.  

Tracy DeFore is a communications specialist with the County of San Diego Communications Office. Contact